The following prayer prepared by JPIC- Haiti is to be used on the
occasion of the International Migrants Day on December 18th.
INTERNATIONAL MIGRANTS DAY
December 18, 2014
THEME: IN SOLIDARITY WITH MIGRANTS AND REFUGIES
Background: In 1997, Asian Migrant organizations (including
the Philippines) began celebrating December 18 as the
International Day of Solidarity with the Migrants, in reference to
the adoption by the UN of the International Convention on the
Protection of the Rights of all Migrant Workers and members of
their families. Building on this initiative, late 1999, the
International Convention of Migrant Rights launched a campaign
for the official nomination of an International Migrants Day.
Official UN ratification was proclaimed on December 4, 2000.
This day is celebrated on December 18 of every year, in the
member states of the UN to “dispel prejudices” on the migrants
and “raise awareness on their contribution.”
Refrain: Theme: Song of welcome, of sharing our earth and its
fruits
Introduction: Situation of the Haitian Migrants
1- In the Dominican Republic, millions of
Haitian migrants suffer:
 Poor living and working conditions in the
sugar cane plantations
 Denationalizing: the Dominican Constitutional Court decided that persons born of
foreign parents could no longer claim Dominican nationality. This provision affects
more than 250 000 Haitian descendants.
 Mass arrests and deportations of those who are illegal
 Frequent massacres
2- In the Bahamas
 Contempt, intolerance, lack of interest
 Exclusion, isolation
 Arrest, repatriation
3- In Latin America
Migration in America is organized under the auspices of migration networks and trafficking of
migrants. Ecuador and Brazil have created special legal provisions (such as the creation of a
category of humanitarian visas) to determine the status of Haitian migrants within their territory
after January 12, 2010.
Generally, in these countries, someone from Haiti is seen as:
o An unwanted visitor
o A welfare load
o A brother in need
Silence
Word of God
“You shall not molest or oppress an alien, for you were once aliens yourselves in the land of
Egypt.” (Exodus 22: 20)
“For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, a stranger and
you welcomed me [...]whatever you did for one of these least brothers of mine, you did for me.”
(Matthew 25: 35-40)
Song: Theme: Welcoming strangers
Silence
Reflection: Following Christ who identified himself with a stranger, we are aware of the massive
displacement of peoples, either in search of a better life, to explore creation, to offer a humanitarian
service, or to ensure material security. Many human beings are constantly on the move. Throughout
his life, Jesus traveled. He told us that he was constantly moving. “Birds have nests, but the Son of
Man has no place to lay his head.”
What is my understanding of the massive displacement of peoples of developing countries?
What are my suggestions for a good orientation of the migrants?
En route with Montfort:
Refrain: Song to Montfort
En route with Marie-Louise: In times of scarcity, the love of Marie-Louise for the poor
brought her to distribute five hundred bushels of wheat to the poor of St Laurent and nearby
parishes. Having nothing more to give, she went to Châtillon to see the Delegate of the Bursar of
Poitiers who had obtained help before from the King in favor of the poor. Another time during an
extremely cold winter, seeing many who were barely dressed and poorly covered, she said: “If I
were cloth, I would give myself to the poor.”
R / Give us, Lord, a heart renewed
Only an open heart, attentive to others can welcome God in the stranger R/
Only a compassionate heart, capable of questioning itself can open the frontiers to let others
pass. R/
Only a loving and open heart that exceeds the limits can become an open door to a God who
is both Father and Mother R/
Only a simple and frank heart, capable of being evangelized by the presence of others and of
changing perspective, can see a brother, a sister instead of a stranger in each person. R/
Only a contrite heart is able to read the pain in the eyes of others and offer a warm welcome,
a smile, a piece of bread and friendship. R/
Prayer to Mary, Star of the Sea (Saint John Paul II)
O Mary, Star of the Sea, we appeal again to you to find refuge and serenity, to implore your
protection and your salvation. Mother of God and our Mother, turn your eyes toward all those
who face every day the dangers of the sea, to ensure the necessities of life to their family, to
protect creation and to serve as peacemakers among peoples. 1 Ave Maria
Protector of migrants and itinerants, with maternal care assist men, women and children forced to
flee their land in the hope of seeking a better future. May their coming to and to our people not
become another source of slavery and humiliation. 1 Ave Maria
Mother of mercy, implore forgiveness for us who are blind with selfishness, centered on our personal
interests, trapped in our fears, and have become indifferent to the needs and the suffering of our
brothers and sisters. 1 Ave Maria
Refuge of sinners, grant a conversion of the heart to those who generate war, hatred and poverty,
who exploit the weaknesses of their brothers and sisters or who make of human life a disgraceful
business. 1 Ave Maria
Model of charity, bless men and women of good will who welcome and serve those who land on our
shores. May the love received and given become the seed of new ties of friendship and the dawn of a
peaceful world. 1 Ave Maria
As Sisters, as Daughters of the same Father, let us hold hands to recite the prayer Christ gave to his
disciples: Our Father
Final Song: Theme: The dream of a new world for all.